FG unveils programme for Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu scheduled for October 1, 2026.

 

The Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

 

The committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday and was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

 

Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines who worked for independence from colonial rule.

 

He also said the celebration would allow the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.

 

The SGF, however, said this year’s celebration would be low-key and urged committee members to work with urgency because of the limited time before October 1.

 

According to the programme, activities will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25, a Church Service on September 27, and an Independence Day Public Lecture on September 30.

 

The activities will culminate in President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026.

 

The committee comprises senior government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Information, Interior, Foreign Affairs, the FCT and Budget and Economic Planning, as well as the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police and Director-General of the Department of State Services.

 

The Terms of Reference include planning and executing approved activities for the anniversary, co-opting relevant individuals and organisations, documenting the events and undertaking other assignments necessary for the successful celebration.